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July 01, 2013

Goal Support and Giveaway: Makeover Edition!

Do you sometimes wonder if it might be time for a makeover?

(And hate to break it to you honey, but...)

Whether it's your house, physique, attitude, career, or eating habits... wouldn't it be cool to just to whisk off everything that's not working for you anymore and put on a new ensemble of awesomeness as if it were a new set of clothes?

Sounds great to me!

But as you might guess, I've got a few thoughts about "makeovers" below.

There will also some info on our giveaway prizes for July's goal post commenters: 2 appropriately-themed Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition BootCamp DVD's, and a high-tech, cleverly designed Airbac backpack. Plus the identity last months winners of the NOW $50 custom sample pack and the leftover headphones will be revealed.

And best of all... it's time to hear how all you amazing Cranketeers are doing! Have you been kicking ass, or slackin', or pondering, or rabble rousing or napping? Let's all pop down in the comments and give each other some encouragement, shall we?

Would You Like a Makeover?

There is something mighty compelling about the notion of a "makeover," isn't there?

To me, a makeover suggests a noticeable and often sudden transformation. A successful makeover really brings it home that there is potential for change everywhere; things you don't like don't have to stay the same, everything can be different and better than before!

But how do you get one? Wouldn't it be nice if some kind fairy were to wave a magic wand in your direction and make you over into exactly the person you always wanted to be?

Will Work For Snausage

However, fairies seem to have other priorities these days, chasing gophers I guess, so it may be up to us to create our own magic.

Makeovers are Awesome, Right?

It is really exciting and inspiring to see problematic "befores" blossom into stunning new "afters."

This is true whether we're talking a bad hairstyle, a persnickety personality, a failing business, a flabby body, a dilapidated fixer-upper cottage, or a wardrobe that could perhaps use tweaking.

Not that Leisure Suits aren't Mighty Manly!

No wonder makeover television shows are so popular! If an obese sedentary depressed person who is in worse shape than you or anyone you know can be transformed into a happy, fit, energetic, muscular superhuman, what does that mean about your potential?

I've not personally had experience with sudden and dramatic change in my own life, but I know it happens, and not just on TV. I've always envied people who come back from personal growth workshops with an annoying new set of catch phrases but a whole new outlook on life. And I've often admired those who've had a sudden epiphany after a nearly croaking from a heart attack, and jumped head first into a sprout-eating, triathletic, cabernet and cookie shunning healthy lifestyle without ever looking back or even whining.

Why Makeovers are Sometimes Not So Awesome

Agency: Often behind the term "makeover" lurks the sense that it is something done to you by some person or program, rather than something you engineer yourself. At least it seems to have this element when it comes to clothes and makeup and tv reality shows. There is usually a team of professional TV "fairies" who sweep down and wave their wands and create magical changes, while the makeoveree adjusts accordingly. Or not. (Which, I gather, actually makes for a more entertaining program).

While the magic wand aspect is is part of the appeal, especially in fantasy, "being madeover" ain't really a great mindset for the long haul. "Look what I've done!" is a far more effective perspective going forward than "look how I got transformed, hope I can maintain it!"

Expectations: A makeover, to be dramatic enough for TV, happens quickly, within as little as a few hours but not generally longer than a television season.

People who are not actually on reality TV usually have no team of experts by their side, nor the ability to forgo all other responsibilities like jobs and families. They have limited budgets and other important priorities. Yet it is hard not to subconsciously expect television results when attempting to do a home-grown makeover. Problem is, without all those resources, most people can't even do a small fraction of what they've been led to believe is possible. This can lead to an insidious sense of failure, even when there are small successes every day that will add up over time--if one has the sense of perspective to notice them. If not, all that effort can seem fruitless, and it becomes easy to give up.Tips For Getting Through Non-Televised Real-Life Makeovers

I'll make this quick, and just offer a few, since we've got some prizes to get to!

1. Lower your expectations: Remind yourself that slow, frustrating, sloppy, inconsistent transformations are the normal kind! "Reality" television is not the same as real life. Sometimes reading blogs or finding friends who are also trying to remake their physiques, diets, homes, professional lives, or whatever can be helpful to get a more realistic perspective. But choose a role model who faces as many hurdles, both pragmatic and emotional, as you do. Don't go pick some show-offy super-achiever and try to live up to them, or you'll end up feeling crappy about your own valiant efforts instead of proud.

2. Allow yourself some superficial makeover fun

There may be ways to emphasize and celebrate incremental successes--a new flattering outfit; a competitive (but not overwhelming) event that you never could have entered before; a new family portrait with you all spiffed out and looking healthy and happy...

Ever notice on reality shows how much effort is put into cosmetic changes on the final reveal? Yet weight loss does not, in itself, restyle your hair or upgrade your wardrobe; fresh flowers and candles and perky throw pillows do not make a house more valuable to the next owners. But these things are important for dramatic impact, as TV people well know. Would more dramatic evidence that you are changing help your motivation? Then go ahead, pump up the optics!

Does a series of gold stars on a wall calendar sound too corny? Well f--ck how it sounds, stuff like that WORKS.

3. Get Extreme: if slow results are getting you discouraged, consider doing something totally different and perhaps more intense for a limited period of time. Sign up for a workshop or class or hire a trainer or coach or plan an adventure that involves challenging yourself. But don't set yourself up for failure by demanding an unsustainable level of commitment for the rest of your life.

And, um, be careful out there.

Giveaway Prizes for July!

Remember how when I did the Airback review I loved the ergonomic design and the comfort and the spacious compartments, but there was no giveaway because I hogged the freebie for myself?

Meet Crabby: Unapologetically Greedy blogger.

As you may recall, there are lots of features that make the Airbac a more pleasant way to haul heavy crap around.

So the Airback people kindly decided to offer a pack up for our July winner!

Two Extreme Makeover Weightloss Bootcamp DVD's:

Does it seem funny that I'm calling into question the impact of TV makeover shows in the same post that is partly sponsored by, um, a TV makeover show?

Yep, in a continuing effort to be the PR reps' worst nightmare, I am indeed engaging in behavior one might characterize as...

However, as many pets have discovered, biting the hand that feeds does not necessarily mean they will no longer get fed! Funny how that works.

Anyway, I confess I've never seen the show, but I know people find workout DVD's handy, and this one looks promising.

This DVD was just released, so it's all fresh and shiny. According to their rep, it features "transformation specialist" Chris Powell and past participants from the Extreme Weight Loss show. The program includes "four fat-blasting workouts, each more challenging than the last. And once viewers have mastered the levels individually, they can utilize bootcamp workout plans to really take it up a notch." Another bonus: it costs less than $15 so it's not a huge investment should you not score one for free.

How to Enter the Giveaway and How it Works:

Wow, this is getting to be a long post and I'm tired! I think a bit of cut and paste from last month is in order...

Leave a comment, and consider supporting fellow Cranketeers by
replying to other comments as well. Many of the regulars check back and
will actually read what you have written. At the end of the month, a
subgroup of active participants is selected, in a nonrandom and
somewhat arbitrary manner, but the winner is then selected randomly
from that group. While the giveaway is meant to encourage
participation, the real awesomeness is in coming together as a
community.

The winner will be announced in the next
goal post in the beginning of August, and will need to check by the date
announced therein.

Last Month's Giveaway

So as you recall, Now Foods was a sponsor and offered up $50 worth of products.

And since the Now foods people were kind enough to send me a sample pack that I wasn't expecting...

I can tell you that the Slender Sticks are actually pretty tasty! A little bit of chemical aftertaste like all the powdered stuff has, but no more so than the sugar-laden ones. The Lobster also thought they were not bad, and she's not a fan of stevia. They
do, however, contain more xylitol than stevia, so those with
sugar-alcohol issues be forewarned.

Congratulations! Please check back by end of day Sunday July 7th to claim your prize. Email address is on the schmooze page, world's weirdest and most long-winded blog contact page ever.Have
you ever had a dramatic "makeover" or are your improvement efforts more
gradual? And how are things going and what are you working on these
days? Can't wait to hear what you're up to!

94 comments:

OK, so I always forget until I hit publish that I need to check in myself!

I found last month that the post and comments really did help me push harder on several fronts. Mainly exercise, which has been tough with the crappy weather. Though as usual, as I stopped checking in I kinda slacked a bit more after a couple weeks. Hmm.

So I want to give July a little more thought. Lots going on, and rather than blurt something out I want to be strategic about it. Back later for an update...

I've never had a makeover of any sort but I think it would be fun!!!I'm actually getting back into a running groove - FINALLY!! It's been awhile since I've felt good about any of my runs so I'm hoping to start having more good ones than blah!!!

I had a friend a long time ago help me with my selections for a suit...she was amazing in her ability to pick something for me that was a good color, a good fit, and stylish but not garish! I was really impressed. I wish I could still fit in what she had picked out...it was that good!

To that end, maybe I should try this boot camp CD....at 210#, it's not pretty (to me) in the mirror, and I am certainly not ready if there was an emergency that I had to respond to, even a long walk due to car trouble, or moving someone who has been hurt. Here's hoping!

Hey Robert!I know what you mean... I shop much better when my sister comes with me. Otherwise I wouldn't buy anything fitted at all. It's great to have someone along to help. And have fun trying the dvd. I'm starting with my Wii fit. I've been pleasantly surprised by how much can be accomplished with these home-tools.

I just don't take fashion "risks" as it were. I am very conservative and simple when it comes to clothes and accessories. She was able to find some great non-navy and khaki choices, and the combo was great. Fashionable but classic, at the same time.

Of course, once I put on the weight, those selections went to Out of the Closet....and now I am back to khakis and button downs that are cookie cutter in appearance. Sure, they are professional, but not memorable or all that personal. I am hoping to lose some weight soon, so we'll see if I treat myself once I get back into at most 34 waist pants!

I've never had a makeover as such, but I think most of us reading this blog have gone down the road of not liking what they see in the mirror or just not feeling good physically; the fact that we're all here suggests we're doing something about it, so does that count as a self-makeover?

The wheels fell off my goals for last month in most spectacular fashion, collapsing under the weight of a really heavy month in many ways... I think this month is going to be one of "retreat and regroup", so by next month I'll hopefully have the decks cleared to start trying to move forward again!

And bummer about the way a heavy month can derail things, but sounds like you're still motivated and not giving up. Plus, "clearing the decks" and regrouping are great goals in themselves! Sure wish my decks were clearer.

Yep, that sounds right. I'm not into clothes, fashion, makeup or hair enough to really think of a "typical" makeover, but I sure have looked at myself and said nope, that has to change!

Two comments on the photos - 1)love that there is a website called Plaid Stallion...that just makes me laugh. 2) that makeup photo is tragic! And slightly creepy.

I feel a little goal-less right now. But not necessarily in a bad way. I feel generally OK with my food intake and activity levels right now, so I guess my main focus is on consistency. I just found a group of coworkers who book a conference room and do the Insanity DVDs. I just did my first session with them today, and while I won't be able to make every session with them (due to scheduling conflicts) it's nice to have a group to meet with, and to somewhat be accountable to in order to help with that consistency.

What an awesome idea OtF to have a workday DVD workout! Wow, I wonder how many office workers could benefit from someone putting something like that together? No company gym required or live instructor required, but the camaraderie of a class and a convenient location.

And I think being "goal-less" makes total sense if you are in a great place; no need to strive for more all the time. It is kind of exhausting chasing after endless goals. In fact, I aspire to be goal-less myself someday too. Oh wait, is that yet another goal? Whoops!

I sometimes have a friend help me buy (select for me, in truth) clothing as I have limited patience. It's the closest I get to makeovers these days though I have gone for a complete makeup makeover for kicks in the heady days in my twenties. That said, well done everyone. Woohoo! Leave me out of any gifts, please, I ain't earned 'em.

I, too, have been blessed with friends that love to shop. They are also kind and patient with me. I can get very cranky when trying on clothes and with their support I am starting to figure out what looks good on my frame and what I'm comfortable wearing. Yay for friends!

Did I win the earbuds?!? If so - YAY and hooray!! I wasn't sure if I was the only Theresa on here so I wanted to double check before I go off the walls excited. ;)

My husband and I had our pictures taken this year, they turned out great and it was SUPER rewarding to see how much happier and healthier we are now compared to our wedding day (8 years ago). That was a fun and tangible way to see how our efforts are paying off. I love make-over shows. I used to dream of a team that would swoop in and make me over. Over the years, I've realized how important it is to do the work and feel the satisfaction of "I did this". What a great feeling. That being said - If I ever run into Yard or Kitchen crashers - I'm in!!

I have joined a GRE Study group. I’m studying for that. I will be taking it at the end of August so this summer’s focus is…GRADUATE school. And taking steps in that direction. Happy July!

oooh, Graduate school! What fun. It's a special time, I hope you enjoy it. I love that you and your husband look better now, and feel better than 8 years ago. That's what my husband and I keep talking about. We really want to keep feeling better and healthier. And by the way, can't you submit your yard or kitchen to those shows?

I think my idea of change is a quick and sudden decision to do something different, the actual change takes time and fortunately I've been able to understand and accept that. If it's a change you want to happen, you put the time in and make it happen.

You're so wise. It's taken me far to long to let go of the idea of "quick change". It led me absolutely nowhere. I've found the key for me to be accepting where I'm at in the moment. Then I can take it day by day.

I love, LOVE the idea of makeovers of any sort! Seriously - just the idea of a "do over" (which is very closely related to a "makeover") gets me excited :).

There's a quote from an old movie that says something like "maybe you can't afford a whole new life, but you sure can give the old one a fresh coat of paint".

I'm a furniture re-arranger, drawer re-organizer and overall "let's make a new plan" type.

Makeovers can add a bit of inexpensive luxury to one's life. If you can afford to donate some old stuff to Goodwill, you can consider yourself 'living large', right? And if you buy something while you're there that you sort of 'make-over' or fix up, it's like you're on yet ANOTHER reality show!

I also believe that pampering ourselves brings us closer to the notion that we DESERVE any makeover we want. Taking time to do things such as putting out a somewhat different, nicer place setting for yourself when you eat or carfully placing nicely folded towels out for yourself when you bathe (v. just grabbing whatever is hanging on a hook), using ingredients you can find in your fridge and the bathroom shelf for a facial, etc... - great ways to create just the spa day feel you need to make the leap to more head on makeover!

I've actually watched the Extreme Weight Loss show and I kinda like this fella! He's pretty real world in terms of the way he works with the folks on the show. (They don't always make their goals even though they're pretty much doing everything per the plan.) So, I think those dvd-s will be a nice prize for anyone contemplating rebooting their routine.

I love that coat of paint quote!!! I also really appreciate your attitude and the way you look at things. A home spa day sounds like a perfect thing to do with my 6 year old as well!I think I've seen the Extreme weight loss show and I liked it. That's the one where they follow someone for like a year, right? Makes much more sense than biggest loser (I will never understand how they safely get people who weight 300 pounds to do squats and jump up on benches!)

I love your version of "makeover" anon, and it's great to hear from both you and Tree that the show is a lot closer to reality than "biggest loser" etc.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, I agree! And so many great ideas to consider for inexpensive makeovers. And I'm all for self-pampering, especially as a reward/adjunct to healthy living. Er.. dark chocolate and merlot both have antioxidants, right? :)

*throws hands in the air a la Horshak* Me too! I'm always changing up my house and taking on small DIY crafty projects (and some not so small ones). Seems I'm much better at making over my living space than making over myself. :D And yeah - my motto is typically "it's only paint."

And what's this? A makeover show where folks may not actually make their goal? Just like real life? Sounds too good to be true!

oh my gosh, where to begin! First, how on earth did you find those Plaid Stallions?! I was so glad for your comment under the first photo... my thought exactly. Hilarious!! All your photos gave me a good laugh. Makeovers! Oh boy. It's nice to see a really tired middle aged lady get fixed up on the Today show now and then. Mostly it's a hair cut, covering the grey and an outfit that actually fits. WIth men, they seem to cut the hair and no beards allowed. The only show that offended me to the core of my humanity was the one where they did plastic surgery. I found that horrifying. I only saw a few bits and pieces of it, but it was enough. I felt so sad for the people and so angry that no one was telling them they were already beautiful, etc....And it just occurs to me that I should do my own post about giving myself a makeover... I finally decided that I didn't want to wait "until I lose weight" to wear clothes that I like. I've kept denying myself because I haven't wanted to shop and buy clothes that surely wouldn't fit in 3 months, 6 months.... since I'm always on the verge of a major reduction phase... Instead I've worn the same old jeans or sweats or t-shirts, etc... frumpy, schlumpy and not at all *me*. I've been waiting my entire life to express myself fully including through what I wear and how I move through the world. Now I'm well into my 40's and I'm just not letting any more time go by. Okay.. before I turn this comment into a post...I'm getting my hair done on Wednesday and that will be the final phase. I'll have to take a good before/after photo. I swear, this summer is the first time in 20 years that I've exposed my entire arms. It really is cooler! Amazing. Thanks for being here Cranky and all the Cranksters.Oh, my mission for this month is ..... starting with a 14 day detox. I decided that even though I know everything already and should be able to do it all on my own, that I could maybe use a bit of support to get off sugar. It's been maddeningly difficult lately. Of course, this peri-menopause is like being pre-menstural EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!! Okay... I'll be back to check in. I'm off to shop for the good stuff and will officially start day one of 14 on Wednesday .

GOOD FOR YOU! You absolutely SHOULD wear what you want now instead of waiting! I've found it also helps inspire me on my journey when I feel I look good. It's that old fake it 'til you make it adage I think. Would love to see the before/after photos!

I am all about the yard makovers - some magic construction/gardening fairie swooping down and redoing my front and back jungles just cause I have neither the time or the money to fix it up the way I'd like to (an olympic size swimming pool is somewhat costly lol) As far as personal makeovers I am constantly looking at ways to eat better, excercise more, improve my training etc. but think I am probably the best person to make over myself. I'm not too interested in what other people think I should be.

June was a succsessfull month for me. My training for the half marathon in Septmber continues with two 5k's completed this month. The most recent a PR for me. As always, I love this community and Congratulations to the June winners!

Love this: "I'm not too interested in what other people think I should be." And that you are always on the lookout for healthy lifestyle upgrades, because it really is more of a process than a destination, right? God have I gotten schlocky. Bring on the smiley faces and unicorns!

But it's so great that you rocked the training in June Christina, and congrats on the PR!

Great post as always Jan!!! So many ways to make ourselves over!!! Honest, I actually applied to Extreme Makeover multiple times when it was on.. I really wanted my teeth done & some face work but course I never got on. Also tried for What Not to Wear since that describes me but never got there either! :)

I have done my own personal body makeover in the gym thru the years though!

As for inside me, working on that with my I AM ENOUGH campaign! I think I am getting better - I doubt it will ever be totally that but close is better than not for me! :)

Never had a makeover of any sort before, sounds quite refreshing to get a new look. Over the years I have worked on my inner self but now you story has sparked me to think of working on my outer body. It's really important to look after your body, especially when time is limited. You have inspired me here to keep going with my attempts to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. :)

Ah, makeovers. My best one was when i decided that i know how to eat right to be healthy and a good weight for me, it was time to do it. It took over a year, and i've been at my weight ever since, and i totally made over my way of eating and relating to food in the process. One healthy habit added at a time, and making good choices every day, and now i don't want to be any other way.

Exercise has been more hit or miss, and that needs to be my next makeover.

Messymimi, given how amazingly successful you were at the healthy eating and weight loss makeover, I have no doubt that when you're truly ready and committed to your exercise makeover, you will rock it.

And hey, does kitty wrangling count as exercise? You're already off to a good start. :)

I've never had a makeover, but that doesn't stop me from hoping to be surprised by Stacy and Clinton one day - I want them to help me figure out what to wear (and of course, buy all the clothes for me).

Well, I guess you could count my weight loss as a bit of a makeover. But I want a one-day dramatic deal, not that 18 month slog that I did!

Ah Shelley, you are such a role model for what a successful "real life" weight loss makeover looks like! Until the fairies start waving wands, your long slog with a happy ending is really the best outcome possible, and it's great the way you inspire others who are still in the "slog" phase.

I've never had a makeover. I did go out to get my hair cut at lunch time one day and went back to work with my hair straightened. I never straighten my hair and I got a lot of shocked reactions which was kind of hilarious. It's amazing how much of a difference something like that can make. I still hardly ever do it though. I like my curls.

June was mostly good, workout wise I accomplished what I set out to do. Our weather has been pretty crappy too though. :(

For July, I mostly plan to keep the momentum going. Also, if the weather ever gets decent, I want to move a couple of plants from one garden to another. That's a goal, right? ;)

Too funny about the hair-straightening makeover, I guess that might have some dramatic impact! But I think curly hair is so cute so I'm glad you didn't decide to do that on an ongoing basis.

Congrats on June workouts despite crappy weather! And yeah, gardening goals count on two fronts, right? Home beautification and exercise. Or three if gardening in meditative/stress reducing for you. For me it's a pain-in-the-ass chore, but many find it a quick path to peacefulness.

I'm SUCH an instant-gratification kind of gal. Sometimes it seriously pisses me off that I'm not running like the wind, smiling the entire way... I mean, I put my shoes on & tied them & everything! ;) Since that doesn't happen in any version of reality, I'll keep hounding the hubby for all my little "gold stars"-- I never get enough of hearing, "you did great!". (Even praise given under the duress of a nagging, needy wife is still praise. In my world, anyway! LOL)

I've never had a drastic makeover but I'm the kind of person who likes to make big changes. More like cutting off all my hair in one swoop :P

Although it happened INCREDIBLY slowly (as was the healthy way to go) if you looked at pictures of my weight loss (before/after) it would look drastic. Just took a few years to get there.

I think the slow process really helps you appreciate the work that went into something. For me, when I really want to dive head first into a jar of jelly beans it helps to remember how hard it was to get here :P

Yay! I finally got a comment box! I kept getting blank spaces that I couldn't write in. So, up above, I wanted to say to Theresa: grad school is FUN! It's not easy, but it's fun. When I think about that, I can kind of understand marathon runners. My June goal was to unpack three boxes of dishes. That went well, for the first one. But the second one turned out not to contain dishes, but an odd assortment of things--my fire extinguisher! at last!--mixed with family papers that need to be sorted far more carefully than I have time for right now. And the third one is still buried under yet other boxes. It may or may not contain dishes. In some ways I regret the decision to spend packing day hanging around the new house waiting for the cable guy to hook up my internet instead of supervising the moving men. On the other hand: internet!So I think my July goal is to squeeze an estimate out of my chimney guy on the wood stove installation (I've been working on that for two weeks already) so that I can decide whether I can afford to pay off the whole mortgage, or only part of it, and what those choices will mean financially. I will still be unpacking things from time to time, though.

Kimberly, box two was a total surprise. It was heavy enough to feel like dishes and it was the type of box they packed the dishes in, and it was in the area of the basement where the other dish boxes were....

And there's progress already. My chimney guy is supposed to come by Saturday (he apologized for it being a holiday weekend, and I reminded him I'd be at work as always, and that he could pick up the key at the front desk where I work) and says he'll have an estimate for me by Monday. So surely I can come to a decision on the mortgage by the end of the month. (After squeezing numbers out of my bank. Why are all these people so hard to get hold of?)

And Crabby, Blogger was probably confused by my being disconnected from the internet (this tends to happen in my kitchen) when I clicked the Reply button. But after I reconnected and reloaded the page? It's the internet--these things happen!

Well it looks like I am doing the big European vacation in maybe 15 months. That means my butt needs to fit comfortably in an airline seat and I need to be able to do a pile of walking. This may be the kick in the butt I need. For July I plan to fill up on the raw vegtables I like, work on my breathing whenever things go south and I am adding another exercise class to my schedule.

Quite a few makeovers happening when I think about. Going on holiday, new hair style, new swimsuit, doing house renovations - new bathroom, toilet, laundry and outdoor decking. Pretty good effort really!

I am SO impressed that you are keeping up with the daily meditations Kimberley. And sharing that is inspiring to all of us, we need successful role models in CrankyLand, so no worries about a "big head".

And wow, keep the Crocs and keep rockin' the real life makeovers! Going back to school is huge. (Plus, I think Crocs are cute!)

Well, at the moment I am not looking for makeovers. I am looking for the day, less than two weeks out, when I will know if I can complete the Death Ride. Right now I am tapering, which is one of the most exhausting processes I can remember. We are at a higher-than-usual altitude (about 7000') so I can grow a few extra red cells, and it is beautiful here! Having to hang out in such a spectacular place, with my bike handy, and having to resist just heading out to explore is a serious challenge. So we are walking, gazing at birds & wildflowers, eating good stuff (well, some good-healthy, and some good-just-for-fun). We get to do a little ride tomorrow - heading for a local waterfall. Can't wait!

I am trying, somewhat unsuccesfully, to make myself over with makeup. 25 years ago I figured how to manage my weight and stay relatively fit, but I am not a girly girl so the subtle possibilities of makeup have eluded me. They still elude me. I am teaching a class, so I decided to try out my new tools and makeup. At the end of class, i have invariably discovered that I have lipstick on my teeth and my mascara has migrated to my cheeks. Almost readu ro throw in the towel on this do-it-myself makeup makeover.

Wow Sylvia, congrats on 25 years of healthy living! And I can relate about the make-up; I never learned myself. Mostly I am happily bare-skinned but every now and then I see those pics of celebrities without makeup... and wonder about the transformative power of cosmetics.

As one whose first bad grade was in art (7th grade - I got a D, but an excellent for effort - now how insulting is that???) I am totally with you on the makeup thing. If I can't even trace a simple shape, just how likely is it that I could paint my own face effectively? Good luck figuring it out, Sylvia! Let us know the secret when you've got it!

Whoops, I forgot to come back and update, and I hope I don't regret this but...

Inspired by Kimberley (the one of the amazing daily meditating streak and recent rocking the yoga), I'm going to see if I can tackle an ambitions goal (for me anyway):

While I've adopted some mindfulness practices, they've been more about finding little bits and pieces of awareness during a busy day, as I have never, ever, ever, been able to stand sitting for more than a few minutes trying to meditate. Some luck, however, with guided meditations, hypnosis audios, etc. But stopped being consistent about it.

My goal: for the rest of the month, and possibly longer, try to do 15 minutes a day of unguided meditation. I've got two days down, but gah!!! Can't say I'm exactly lovin' it. As a backup, if I start to backslide, I can use guided audios on some days, but I'd really like to see if I can learn to summon up 15 minutes of patience a day to focus my own monkey brain.

I am sure you can do it - and I really look forward to hearing what it does for you. I admit to being a bit of a meditation skeptic - I guess I knew a few too many people in the 70s who dedicated lots of time to levitation efforts - but actually, today's approach seems to make more sense. Taking some time to just let things happen/sort themselves out/or just rest the mind can't be a bad thing in our chaotic world.

this will be really interesting to see how you feel after you do this for a while. I'm not a fan of "quiet meditation" Yuk! I think I'm better doing something like Tai Qi where the meditation involves movement. I am, however, aiming to do my own version with daily chanting. It's so simple! How can I possibly not manage to do it? So, I guess I will. Good luck to you. I like that you have a kind back up plan for yourself. Wise.

Checking in again... 10 days! One day was kinda cheaty, I forgot until I went to bed and then fell asleep before I was done, probably only made 10 minutes, but I decided to give myself credit and do an extra session the next day to make up for it.

I'm also generally doing 20 minutes, not 15. Have found some spacey music of the claims-to-be-brainwave-affecting sort, which does seem to facilitate a bit; could well be placebo but suspending disbelief enough to get placebos to work for me is also something of a goal, so either way is good.

Alright - I'm late to the party, but what the hell. I've been totally derailed lately by work travel and vacation travel and general summer-tude. (Seriously. You try to pass up Peep s'mores. They're like potato chips. Bet you can't eat just one!)

I'm mostly a home makeover obsessed person. I adore Love It or List It and the Property Brothers on HGTV. Back in the early days I was a Trading Spaces devotee. For the most part my own house is in decent shape, but I sure could use help getting organized and fighting the clutter. Two small kids and their toys do not help. (And is typically the case, I KNOW the answer, I just can't seem to do it: deal with it every day. Instead of one massive cleaning every other week.) (Sidenote: would it be wrong to bribe my kids to get rid of toys? Say a quarter for every item they donate? Please say no, because I'm seriously considering it.) My garden could sure use a makeover thanks to the invasion of purslane and thistle (again). I kinda-sorta had a makeover once. Really my friends took pity on me before my wedding and hauled me off for some new clothes, new makeup, and even convinced me to pierce my ears (at the ripe old age of 28). It was rather fun...turns out this tomboy doesn't mind being girly once in awhile.

For this month, I'm focusing on just moving. Getting up and doing a run or a bike ride. Taking my kids out in the evening for a walk on the trail. Just SOMETHING. Get my steps back up over 10K consistently. And adding back in more strength training. I'm not even going to pretend with the food. It's summer. We eat a lot of fresh fruit, veggies and salad, but brats, burgers, potato salad, and s'mores make frequent appearances in the menu and that is just fine by me. Life is too short to worry over a s'more. :D

Love it or List it... we were big fans for awhile but have you noticed that every single episode seems to follow the same script? And I have trouble believing they can find so many Canadians who get pissy at Hilary whenever it turns out they bought a crap house to begin with structural flaws or that the dude can't find a house that meets their unrealistic budget. Canadians just aren't that unreasonable, they gotta be poking them with sticks or something. But I do love to see the houses get spiffed up.

I think your "just get moving" goal is excellent! And bribe away, from what I understand that's standard practice for most parents. :)

Oh, and as to Peep S'mores? My position on those can be find about 3/4 of the way down in this post: http://www.crankyfitness.com/2012/04/best-laid-plans.html